Church and being a Christian

[DawnTillery]

Everyone!!
Before I start, I want to just say one thing. I do not believing going to church saves you. You dont get to heaven by association.
There were a couple comments made that someone didn't think others were Christians because they didnt attend church, even though they believe the same thing I just said prior. Why is that?
I know a couple people that dont attend church and are Christians.
Is this wrong? Where does this come from?
Thanks in advance.

 

[snoochface]

I think this comes from confusion between what makes you a Christian, and what people - once they become Christians - are instructed and advised to do in the Bible.

What makes a person a Christian is belief that they are a sinner, that they need redemption, and belief in Jesus as their Lord and savior who died on the cross for their sins and who was resurrected on the third day. Believing those things and welcoming Jesus into their lives is what makes them a Christian.

As Christians, we are instructed or advised to do (and not do) certain things. Going to church, meeting with a body of believers, and praising God in worship is one of those things. So is preaching the word of God to all nations, avoiding the appearance of sin, and getting baptised.

But if none of those things were ever done, a person would still be a Christian if they continue to believe and welcome Jesus into their lives. They might not be a Christian who has grown in their faith very much; they might not be a Christian who is setting the best example for others; they might have a lot of maturing still to do in their Christian lives. But they are still Christians.

We should go to church so we can be with a body of believers and worship God together. But if someone doesn't, it does not mean they are not Christians. I know people who worship and praise God in their own homes, and do their own Bible studies from home with just their family, or even alone. They may not get the benefit of learning from a pastor and interacting with other believers, but they are still Christians.

Sometimes I think people get too wrapped up in legalism, and lose the essence of the GOOD NEWS in the process.

 

[Sketcher]

Snoochface hit it pretty good. We must also consider that taking a Christian out of church is like taking a hot coal away from the fire. Many coals can keep each other warm, but the lone coal will quickly die off. We need to stay in fellowship with other believers. Fellowship is much morethan going to church and leaving. It is building meaningful and deep relationships with other believers who can pour into our lives, and we can do the same for them and others. That is church the way it is meant to be. Going to a church building should help you facilitate that.